Looking North for Oct. 4, 2013

Looking North for Oct. 4, 2013

True. The longtime Advocate Baker-Zachary bureau chief recently retired after two decades covering all things north of Baton Rouge, or more specifically, all things in Baker, Zachary, and West and East Feliciana parishes.

My name is Steven Ward and I’m the new Baker-Zachary bureau chief.

That’s my photo up there.

I might not be as handsome as James Minton (frankly, there aren’t many of us who are), but I’m going to try to cover his old territory and I’m going to need your help.

I’m adding the city of Central to my coverage area, so I want to hear from you folks too.

I’m looking for community news and items for the Looking North column.

Please send what you have to sward@theadvocate.com or call me at my Baker office — (225) 326-6611.

What’s a community without community news, right?

Early voting Saturday

Early voting for the Oct. 19 primary election begins Saturday.

Voters in West Feliciana Parish have three elections to cast ballots in including the parish’s first parish president.

Republicans Kevin Couhig and Tom McVea are running against Lea Reid Williams, an Independent, and Democrat John Kean IV for the historic seat.

Voters also will have a chance to decide on a tax renewal for the West Feliciana Parish Communications District.

The two-mill property tax would fund the parish’s 911 phone system.

Voters in both West Feliciana and East Feliciana parishes will choose someone for the 5th District U.S. representative’s job.